The Labor enquirer., 1887-08-13
THE KxIeHTy or LABOR.
Preamble and Declaration Of Principles
sf This Great and Growing
Order Of Wsrkingmen.


the toiling masses.
II is imperative, II We desire 70 enjoy the
uli blessings OF life, that check be placed
upon unjust accumulation, and the power for
evil ofnggregated wealth.
This much-desired object can be accom-
plished only by the united efforts OF those
who obey the divine Injunction. "1n the
sweat OF thy face shalt thou eat bread"
Therefore We have formed the Order OF
knights Of Labor. for the purpose Of orgaris-
ing and directing the power Of the industrial
masses. not ~ political party, for 1t IL more
in II are crystalised sentiments and meas
urss for the beneft OF the whole people, but
Il should be borne In mind. whom exercising
the right OF suffrage, that most OF the oojects
herein set forth can only be obtained through
legislation and that II IL the duty OF oil to as
sist in nominating and supporting with their
votes only such candidates ~ will pledge
their support TO those measures, regardless OF
party. But no one shall. however. be COM
pelled 10 vote with the majority, and calling
upon all who believe in securing "the greatest
GOOD 10 the greatest number" TO join and ~
sist M. We declare 70 the world>that our aims
are:
=, I. To make Industrial and moral worth, not
wealth, the true standard Of individual and
National greatness.
II. To secure TO the workers the full enjoy
ment OF the wealth they create, sumcient
leisure In which TO develop tqeir intellectual,
moral and social faculties; all Of the benents,
recreation and pleasnrss Of sssociation: In
word, 10 enable them 70 share In the gains
and honors OF advancing civilization.
In order 10 secure these results, we demand
OF the STATE: .l-
Ill. The establishment Of Bureaus Of Labor
Statistics. that We may arrive at correct
knowledge OF the educational, moral and a.
nsnciai condition OF the laboring masses.
Nv. That the public lands, the heritage OF
the people, be reserved for actual settlers; not
another acre for railroads or spectators, and
that all lands now held for speculative pur-
poses be taxed 70 their full value.
v. The abrogation OF all laws that do not
bear equally upon capital and labor, and the
removal OF unjust technicalities. delays and
determinations In the..adninistration OF
justice.
vi. The adoption OF measures providing
for the health and safety Of those engaged In
mining. manufacturing and building indus
tries, ami for rindemnifcation 10 those engaged
therein for injuries received through lack OF
necessary safeguards.
VII The recognition by incorporation, OF
trades, unions, orders, and such other associa-
tlons IN may be organized by the working
masses TO improve their condition and pro-
tect their rights.
VIII. The enactment OF laws TO compel
corporations to pay their employees weekly.
In lawful money. for the labor OF the preced-
Ing week, and giving mechanics and laborers
first len upon the product OF their labor 10
the extent OF their full wages.
IX. The abolition OF the contract system on
National, state and Municipal works.
X. The enactment OF laws providing for ar
biuation between employers and employed,
and TO enforce. the decision OF the arbitrators.
xI. The prohibition by law of the employ
ment OF children under Is years OF age In
workshops, mines and factories.
XII. To prohibit the hiring out OF convict
labor. .
XIII. That a graduated income tax be
levied. 90.
And we demand at the hands OF CsNGREss
XIV. The establishment OF National mou-
etary system. In which circulating medium
In necessary quantity shall issue direct TO the
people. without the Intervention OF banks;
that all tho National issue shall be full legal
tender In payment Of all debts, public and
private; and that the Government shall not
guarantee or recognize any private banks. or
create any banking corporations.
XIV. That interest bearing. bonds, bills OF
credit or notes shall never be issued by the
Government, but that. when need arises. the
emergency shall be met by issue OF legal ten
der, non-intsrest. bearing money.
XVI. That the importation OF foreign labor
under contract be prohibited.
XVII. That, In connection with the post
ONCE. the Government shall organize imam
cial exchanges. safe deposits and facilities for
deposit OF the savings Of the people in small
sums.
XVIII. That the Government shall obtain
possession, by purchase, under the rights OF
eminent domain. OF all telegrsphs, telephones
and railroads. and that hereafter no charter
or license be issued to any corporation for
construction or operation OF any means Of
transporting intelligence, passenger OF
freight
And while making the foregoing demands
upon the State and National Government, we
will endeavor to associate our own labors:
XIX. To establish cooperative institution
such as will tend TO supercede the wage sys-